Dermal Fillers: Fighting Fine Lines, Wrinkles, and Acne and Other Scars

Do you know what causes facial wrinkles? One factor is the skin’s natural volume loss as we age, and a popular solution is dermal fillers. A filler works by restoring lost volume to create a smooth appearance to the skin. Botox is also used to combat fine lines and wrinkles, but dermal fillers are a better option for people who want to make slight changes to their faces by adding volume to their lips, cheeks, or filling in acne scars or other types of scarring .

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at dermal fillers, which are one of the best anti-aging procedures for beautiful, youthful skin.

What Are Dermal Fillers & Are They Safe?

A dermal filler is an injectable substance that sits below the skin to restore fullness in areas where the skin has lost volume. Fillers are an excellent option for people who want to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

There are several types of fillers on the market made from different substances. Brentwood Dermatology carries the hyaluronic fillers JUVÉDERM® and Restylane®. The benefits of using a hyaluronic acid filler are that it is a naturally occurring substance in the body, and it’s reversible. The ability to melt away the product without any complications is a major advantage.

Where Can You Use a Dermal Filler?

As we age, we start to lose volume in our cheeks, which leads to a deepening of the nasolabial folds. It also deepens the groove between the mouth and cheeks, which can make the face appear to be falling inward and down. Placing filler in the cheeks reshapes the face to restore a youthful look.

Lips are a common area to use fillers, especially for a more lifted, full look. Other nice places for fillers are the marionette lines and nasolabial folds. Your dermatologist can also place filler to lift your brows or reduce the depth of acne scars and other scarring.

When Will You See Results From Dermal Fillers & For How Long?

The results from a dermal filler injection are immediate. Some people experience minor swelling at the injection site, so it may take a few days to “settle in.”

Each subtype of dermal filler lasts for a different length of time based on how soft or “hearty” it is. Placement location also influences the length of time that a filler will last. Filler in the lips, for example, won’t last as long as placement in the cheeks since lips move much more. Ultimately, each person will metabolize the filler at his or her own rate, so the length of time that injection results last varies.

Hyaluronic acid is a softer dermal filler than others, so most patients enjoy their results for approximately nine months. You can schedule another injection appointment whenever you feel like you need it. If you start to see your wrinkles returning or feel like your lips are losing volume, get in touch with your dermatologist.

Dermal Filler Cosmetic Consultation

When you arrive at your cosmetic consultation, have a list of questions ready to help you and your dermatologist decide which anti-aging procedure is right for you. It’s also helpful to have a list of your medications handy, as well as any recent surgical or dental procedures.

You and your dermatologist will discuss the following:

• Probable results
• Possible side effects
• Which type of filler would best produce your desired outcome
• How long the results will last
• Follow-up care, if any

It’s common for patients to have some swelling and minor bruising. You’ll see your dermatologist again 14 days after your dermal filler injection to be sure that the final result is balanced.

Dermal Filler Procedure & Aftercare

You don’t need to do any special skin prep before your dermal filler injections. Your dermatologist may numb your injection site to increase comfort, and then place small amounts of dermal filler in targeted locations. A board-certified dermatologist is the best candidate to perform a dermal filler injection because he or she has an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy and can provide the most natural, even results.

It’s important that patients do not rub or massage the injection area, as this may cause the dermal filler substance to spread. You can apply makeup following the procedure and follow your regular skincare routine. It’s best to wait until the day following your procedure to resume vigorous exercise.

Dermal Fillers for Anti-Aging

Dermal fillers are just one of many steps that you can take to restore a youthful appearance. Great skin starts with a great skincare routine. A gentle cleanser, antioxidant serum, moisturizer, and daily sunscreen are the building blocks of beautiful skin. No matter your goals or your struggles, the experts at Brentwood Dermatology can help you achieve the best skin of your life. Get in touch to schedule your cosmetic consultation today.

Learn More About Dermal Fillers at Brentwood Dermatology in Brentwood, TN

The trusted physicians at Brentwood Dermatology can assist you with all of your general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology needs. If you would like to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, visit our website or give us a call at (615) 377-3448.